Sharks Sign Ryan Cave to Boost O-Line

(photo credit: Jacksonville Sharks/Twitter)

On Monday, the Jacksonville Sharks announced that they solidified their offensive line with veteran offensive lineman Ryan Cave. Cave was assigned to the roster, and the terms of the deal were not discussed per team policy.

Cave (age 27, 6'5", 335 lbs), a native of Beaufort, South Carolina, is in his fifth season in the Arena Football League, his first as a shark after spending 2015 with the Orlando Predators. That season, he played in 16 regular-season games, seeing most of his action at center while catching two passes for 18 yards at tight end. His pass protection and run blocking helped Orlando finished third in the league (of 12 teams in 2015) in scoring offense at 56.8 points per game.

After making 38 appearances at Hampton University, Cave spent three seasons with the Spokane Shock, showing his versatility by playing all three positions along the front line. As a rookie in 2012, he played 14 games, and followed that with 15 starts in 2013 before a limited, seven-appearance 2014 season.

He has eight receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns in his four-year career, which means he is a reliable backup/second option for Mo Ruffins on tight end screens. Plus, with experience all along the offensive line, he can come in on jumbo package plays at the goal line, and provide a big body to help on field goals and extra point attempts.